FSSAI import assistance services in India for food, nutraceutical, and dietary supplement products, showing customs clearance, documentation review, labeling compliance, and regulatory approval support

FSSAI Import Assistance Services in India

FSSAI Consultant for import of Food & Nutraceutical in India

Importing food, nutraceuticals, dietary supplements into India requires strict adherence to the regulations laid down by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). Every imported food consignment must comply with Indian food safety, labeling, and product standards before it can be cleared at Indian ports. Regacats Solutions offers comprehensive assistance for FSSAI import in India, supporting Indian importers, foreign manufacturers, global brands, and e-commerce sellers with regulatory approvals, documentation, labeling compliance, and import clearance coordination. 

Our FSSAI import assistance services are part of our broader FSSAI regulatory services in India, supporting food, dietary supplement, and nutraceutical businesses with licensing, approvals, and ongoing compliance.

With over 8 years of specialized experience in Indian food regulations, we help businesses ensure smooth import operations while minimizing regulatory risks, delays, and financial losses.

Understanding FSSAI Import Regulations in India

FSSAI regulates all imported food products under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, along with specific import-related regulations and advisories. These regulations apply to all food consignments entering India, regardless of quantity, country of origin, or intended distribution channel.

FSSAI import compliance ensures that imported food products:

  • Are safe for human consumption

  • Meet Indian compositional and quality standards

  • Follow Indian labeling and claim requirements

  • Do not pose health risks to consumers

Failure to comply with FSSAI import regulations can result in shipment detention, testing delays, rejection, recall, or destruction.

Why FSSAI Import Compliance Is Mandatory

Food import compliance is not optional in India. FSSAI authorities verify compliance at the port of entry before allowing the sale or distribution of imported products.

Non-compliance can lead to:

  • Detention of shipments at ports

  • Sampling and laboratory testing delays

  • Rejection or destruction of consignments

  • Demurrage and storage costs

  • Regulatory penalties and notices

  • Loss of market access

Proactive regulatory planning helps importers avoid these costly consequences.

Who Requires FSSAI Import Assistance Services?

FSSAI import compliance applies to a wide range of businesses, including:

  • Indian food importers

  • Foreign food manufacturers exporting to India

  • Nutraceutical and dietary supplement brands

  • E-commerce businesses importing packaged foods

  • Global companies entering the Indian food market

Both first-time importers and experienced businesses benefit from professional import regulatory support.

Food Products Covered Under FSSAI Import Regulations

Our FSSAI import assistance services cover all regulated food categories, including:

  • Packaged food products

  • Nutraceuticals and dietary supplements

  • Novel foods and non-specified foods

  • Imported food ingredients and additives

  • Beverages and fortified foods

  • Vegan and special dietary products

Each product category requires specific regulatory mapping under FSSAI standards.

Landscape infographic showing FSSAI food import compliance process in India including foreign manufacturers, regulatory approvals, customs inspection, and port clearance
End-to-end overview of the FSSAI food import compliance and customs clearance process in India, from overseas manufacturers to port clearance.

 

Regulatory Framework Governing Food Imports in India

Food imports into India are governed by multiple laws and regulations, including:

  • Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006

  • Food Safety and Standards (Import) Regulations, 2017

  • Food Safety and Standards (Labelling & Display) Regulations, 2020

  • Food Safety and Standards (Advertising & Claims) Regulations

  • FSSAI advisories, orders, and import alerts

  • Customs Act and allied import regulations

FSSAI works in coordination with Indian Customs Authorities to evaluate compliance before issuing clearance.

Step-by-Step Process for FSSAI Import Clearance

Step-by-step process for FSSAI import clearance in India, including product and ingredient assessment, central FSSAI importer license, label compliance, pre-import strategy, NOC filing on FICS portal, and port clearance support
End-to-end FSSAI import clearance process for food, nutraceutical, and dietary supplement products in India

Step 1: Product & Ingredients Assessment

Before import, we conduct a detailed assessment of:

  • Product category and formulation

  • Applicability of Indian food standards

  • Ingredient compliance status

  • Labeling and claims requirements

  • Need for prior approvals such as NSF, health claims, or vegan certification

This assessment helps identify potential compliance gaps early.

Step 2: Central FSSAI Importer License

Importers must hold a valid Central FSSAI License with endorsement of KoB-import. Without this license, customs clearance is not permitted.

We assist with:

  • New Central FSSAI license applications

  • License modification for import activity

  • License mapping with product categories

Step 3: Label Review and Compliance

Imported food labels must comply with Indian regulations. Even products compliant in their country of origin often fail Indian label checks.

We review labels for:

  • Mandatory declarations

  • Ingredient listing and allergen information

  • Nutritional information

  • Veg/Non-veg logo

  • Claims compliance

  • Font size, language, and placement requirements

Label corrections before shipment dispatch significantly reduce port-stage issues.

Step 4: Pre-Import Compliance Strategy

For complex products, we help develop a pre-import regulatory strategy, including:

  • Ingredient gap analysis

  • Approval feasibility assessment

  • NSF or novel ingredient approval planning

  • Claims and formulation review

This proactive approach prevents shipment rejection and regulatory disputes.

Step 5: NOC Filing on FSSAI FICS Portal

  • Login & Apply – Log in to the FSSAI FICS portal and select Apply for NOC, then enter Bill of Entry and port details.
  • Consignment & Product Details – Fill importer details and add product information (name, brand, HS code, quantity, shelf life).
  • Upload Documents – Upload required documents like invoice, packing list, labels, Bill of Entry, and FSSAI license.
  • Submit – Pay the applicable FSSAI inspection fee and submit the application.
  • Inspection & NOC – FSSAI reviews the application; after approval (or sampling if required), the NOC is issued online.

Step 6: Port Clearance and Sampling Support

At the port of entry:

  • FSSAI verifies documents

  • Samples may be drawn for laboratory testing

  • Compliance is evaluated against Indian standards

We coordinate with:

  • Customs officials

  • FSSAI officers

  • Custom House Agents (CHA)

Our support helps ensure efficient handling of queries and sampling requirements.

Our FSSAI Import Assistance Services

Import Regulatory Mapping

We identify applicable FSSAI standards, approvals, and documentation requirements specific to your product.

Labeling and Claims Compliance

We ensure imported labels meet Indian regulations and prevent rejection at ports.

Central FSSAI Importer License

We support importers for central FSSAI License
 

Non-Specified Food and Ingredient Approval

We support prior approval for novel or non-specified ingredients under FSSAI regulations.

NOC Filing on FSSAI FICS Portal

We submit application for NOC on FICS Portal.

Customs and Authority Coordination

We manage regulatory communication and respond to queries during import clearance.

Import Risk Mitigation

We help businesses minimize shipment delays, penalties, and regulatory exposure.

Import Assistance for Foreign Manufacturers and Global Brands

Foreign manufacturers exporting food products into India must comply fully with Indian regulations, even if products meet overseas standards.

Our support for international clients includes:

  • Ingredient compliance gap analysis

  • Indian label adaptation

  • Central FSSAI license alignment

  • Indian Authorized Agent (IAA) support (if required)

  • Coordination with Indian importers and customs

We help global brands enter the Indian market with regulatory confidence.

Common Challenges in Food Import Compliance

Food importers frequently face challenges such as:

  • Differences between Indian and foreign food standards

  • Non-compliant labels at the port stage

  • Unapproved ingredients or claims

  • Delays due to sampling and laboratory testing

  • Lack of clarity for novel or specialty products

Expert regulatory guidance helps address these challenges proactively.

Why Choose Regacats Solutions for FSSAI Import Assistance?

  • 8+ years of experience in Indian food regulations

  • Expertise across food, nutraceutical, and dietary supplement imports

  • Practical, authority-aligned compliance approach

  • PAN India and international client support

  • Transparent communication and compliance-driven execution

We focus on preventive compliance, not reactive problem-solving.

Need Professional Support for Food Import Compliance?

Whether you are planning your first import or managing ongoing shipments, professional FSSAI import assistance helps protect your business from regulatory risks and delays.

Contact Regacats Solutions for expert FSSAI Import Assistance Services in India and ensure smooth, compliant import operations.

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